Unknown Waters: Sara's Magical Coral Reef Adventure
There is an amazing world just beneath the surface. Gather your courage and dive in!
Eight-year-old Sara is quiet and unsure of herself, unlike her three sisters, who love to have fun. When the family takes their first-ever beach vacation, Sara must face the one thing she’s most afraid of – the water. A new fish friend helps Sara find the courage to face her fear and explore the enchanting coral reef world where she meets the mysterious animals that call it home. Along the way, Sara learns about the challenges coral reef ecosystems face from human activities and the warming oceans. Filled with joy and wonder by her journey in the natural world, Sara gains the self-confidence to see herself as part of the web of life – a place where we are all connected.
Illustrations by Mariya Prytula:
http://www.mvprytula.com
WINNER OF THE 2023 ROYAL DRAGONFLY AWARD IN THE CHILDREN'S CHAPTER BOOK CATEGORY
“A vibrant story juxtaposing wonder with life lessons . . .bringing elementary-grade readers along for a journey which embraces growth and environmental awareness.” – D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review and Editor, Donovan’s Literary Services
"An absolutely captivating work . . . creating a fascinating and entertaining adventure story, but also weaving in important social and emotional issues." – Readers' Favorite
Tangled Webs: Sara's Magical Escape to the Forest
The forest is a magical place for new beginnings. Take a deep breath and you can do anything!
Nine-year-old Sara is shy and unsure of herself, and doesn't feel like she fits in with other kids, unlike her three sisters who have lots of friends and love to have fun. She would rather read a book than play all the games at the neighborhood Fourth of July party. A magical encounter shows Sara the beauty and balance of the forest ecosystem and the importance of living in a community where we can connect with others.
Illustrations by Mariya Prytula:
http://www.mvprytula.com
“As the endearing, relatable character Sara finds new connections with nature, I am encouraged to know that other young people will read this book and join in her discoveries. The concept of the natural world as a system of interrelated components is creatively presented and made perfectly accessible for young readers as they meet the host of other characters -- plants, birds, squirrels, insects, fungi, and trees. Trees like Silvia, the Mother Oak, play such an important role in supporting healthy ecosystems and healthy communities. Insights gained from this story will undoubtedly equip and inspire future generations towards environmental stewardship and just a little more love for trees.” - Andrew W. Smiley, Executive Director, TreeFolks
WINNER OF THE 2024 ROYAL DRAGONFLY AWARD IN THE CHILDREN'S CHAPTER BOOK CATEGORY
WINNER OF THE 2024 READER VIEWS BRONZE MEDAL IN THE YOUNG READER CATEGORY
WINNER OF THE 2024 STORY MONSTERS APPROVED AWARD IN THE CHILDREN'S CHAPTER BOOKS FICTION CATEGORY
“An engaging and educational book for children between six and nine. The enchanting and whimsical illustrations . . . captivate young readers . . . making the learning experience both immersive and enjoyable. [A] valuable resource for children navigating the challenges of transitioning to a new school, offering insights into friendship, resilience, and the natural world. [A] must-have for fostering a love of learning and exploration in young readers.” – Reader Views Kids
“A fun and engaging story that teaches about interesting nature concepts. The imagery is vivid and wonderfully descriptive, even down to portraying bird calls and the types and smells of plants in Sara’s garden, and still the diction is simple enough for children. The story and its characters encourage Sara’s desire to learn independently and her realization of the need for a network, a connection, both with others in the society we've created and with the natural world that surrounds us.” - Independent Book Review
Busy Bodies: Sara's Magical Pollinator Journey
Take a close look and discover the superpower of even the smallest creatures – and your power to change the world!
Nine-year-old Sara loves nature and art but is afraid to make a presentation at an art show at her school. With the help of pollinators she encounters at a nature center and in her backyard ecosystem, she learns how important they are to ecosystems around the world and why they are facing challenges to survive. Filled with joy and wonder for pollinators, Sara gains the self-confidence to be their champion and to see herself as part of the web of life - a place where we are all connected.
Illustrations by Mariya Prytula:
http://www.mvprytula.com
“As she explores marshes, prairies, gardens, and forests, [Sara] realizes something very important. Is it possible for one tiny bug to change the way someone sees the world? . . . The conversations Sara has with the insects are creative, funny, and easy for kids to understand. [The book] also introduces science words and concepts in a way that is fun and natural. As an educator, I would use this book during an insect or pollinator unit. It could lead to wonderful discussions about different insects, flowers, ecosystems, gardens, and why pollinators matter.” - Readers' Favorite (5-star review)
“A delightfully unpredictable coming-of-age [book] that quite brilliantly smuggled an entire ecology curriculum inside a story about a young girl learning to use her voice. The unexpectedness of this book is sure to draw in young readers because the information is so easy to absorb. Growing up, I always learned that history was like a story, but reading science in this way is something I had never seen done before. The tone of the book and accompanying illustrations make [the book] a treat with every new page. [T]he pollinators aren’t teaching Sara facts; what they are doing is teaching her that she’s a strand in something larger. Sara learns that what she does matters, and as a parent, that’s honestly the kind of takeaway that makes books like Busy Bodies: Sara’s Magical Pollinator Journey . . . priceless for young readers.” – Reader Views (5-star review)
“The overall message of the book – that compassion and curiosity can not only benefit us but the rest of the natural world – comes through clearly without feeling forced or didactic. The style is simultaneously accessible and fun, a stellar combo for juvenile fiction readers. Young readers and their guardians will love the parable at the heart of the story. It’s our job to love and respect even the tiniest of insects. Nature lovers will enjoy seeing their favorite pollinators brought to life through the book’s vibrant illustrations and reading the lively dialogue between Sara and her new insect friends. [T]hose looking to pair their nature lessons with a fun, easygoing narrative will appreciate all that Busy Bodies has to offer.” – Independent Book Review